What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Natalie Ward #5
The Blossom Twins
Their parents thought they were hiding…
One beautiful summer’s evening, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore snuggle down in a tent in their back garden, giggling and sharing secrets.
When their mother goes to wake the girls the next morning, their tent is empty.
The alarm is raised and Detective Natalie Ward is put onto the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing?
Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh…
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will keep you flying through the pages long into the night. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter.
One beautiful summer’s evening, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore snuggle down in a tent in their back garden, giggling and sharing secrets.
When their mother goes to wake the girls the next morning, their tent is empty.
The alarm is raised and Detective Natalie Ward is put onto the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing?
Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh…
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will keep you flying through the pages long into the night. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
1511 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
April 6, 2020
Emotionally Stunning!
The saga of Detective Natalie Ward and her great team and friends at the station confront the most heinous killer of Natalie 's career and she also feels she has dealt with this monster before but her new boss seems to care more about the political nature of the crimes and wants a quick resolution instead of listening to Natalie's instincts which may just put more young girl's lives in jeopardy. Natalie's home life out is out of control and she knows that life altering decisions must be made for herself and her family but with the pressures of the case taking all of her emotional and physical strength, she knows that she must not take any impulsive actions because she doesn't want to cause her children more emotional suffering than is absolutely necessary. She is angry all the time with her husband and feels the love has faded so much that she just can't find forgiveness in her heart anymore.
Nat is so overwhelmed right now that any decision may be the wrong decision to make with her workload and her personal life. Will Natalie make the right choices or will this case be her complete downfall in every aspect of her work and her family's future?
This was a WOW of a read! I felt emotionally spent after reading this book. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading a few of the other books first so you can have a better feel of everything that has been going on in Natalie's personal and work life. The build-up is essential to the decisions that Natalie believes she must finally make. Nat is a tough woman who is always trying to balance her home life and career but with the hours and emotions that she must put in trying to solve homicide cases there isn't much time leftover at the end of each day to take care of her family's needs. Nat is a great human being but a very flawed individual which brings home the struggles of of a crime fighter especially when the job of being a mother and wife are always crying out for her attention and no matter how much she gives it will never be enough or will the opportunity finally present her with some new choices? Could they be opportunities or only temptations?
Please, oh please Carol Wyer, bring on many more books to follow up on Natalie Ward! I am so addicted to this chaotic drama and I can't believe how emotionally invested I am with all the characters in this series!
I want to graciously thank the author "Carol Wyer" and the publisher "Bookouture" and if course Netgalley for allowing me to read this "Stunner" of a book!
I Highly, highly recommend this novel plus all the other books in the series! I have given a rating of 5 Emotionally Addictive 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
The saga of Detective Natalie Ward and her great team and friends at the station confront the most heinous killer of Natalie 's career and she also feels she has dealt with this monster before but her new boss seems to care more about the political nature of the crimes and wants a quick resolution instead of listening to Natalie's instincts which may just put more young girl's lives in jeopardy. Natalie's home life out is out of control and she knows that life altering decisions must be made for herself and her family but with the pressures of the case taking all of her emotional and physical strength, she knows that she must not take any impulsive actions because she doesn't want to cause her children more emotional suffering than is absolutely necessary. She is angry all the time with her husband and feels the love has faded so much that she just can't find forgiveness in her heart anymore.
Nat is so overwhelmed right now that any decision may be the wrong decision to make with her workload and her personal life. Will Natalie make the right choices or will this case be her complete downfall in every aspect of her work and her family's future?
This was a WOW of a read! I felt emotionally spent after reading this book. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading a few of the other books first so you can have a better feel of everything that has been going on in Natalie's personal and work life. The build-up is essential to the decisions that Natalie believes she must finally make. Nat is a tough woman who is always trying to balance her home life and career but with the hours and emotions that she must put in trying to solve homicide cases there isn't much time leftover at the end of each day to take care of her family's needs. Nat is a great human being but a very flawed individual which brings home the struggles of of a crime fighter especially when the job of being a mother and wife are always crying out for her attention and no matter how much she gives it will never be enough or will the opportunity finally present her with some new choices? Could they be opportunities or only temptations?
Please, oh please Carol Wyer, bring on many more books to follow up on Natalie Ward! I am so addicted to this chaotic drama and I can't believe how emotionally invested I am with all the characters in this series!
I want to graciously thank the author "Carol Wyer" and the publisher "Bookouture" and if course Netgalley for allowing me to read this "Stunner" of a book!
I Highly, highly recommend this novel plus all the other books in the series! I have given a rating of 5 Emotionally Addictive 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
December 13, 2019
Wow, wow, wow. Book 5 in the Detective Natalie Ward series and I think this is the best one so far. This is such a fantastic police series with real characters. Not everything is easy which makes it realistic. Natalie and her team are completely dedicated to each and every victim, not resting until they find justice. At times this can be at the expense of their personal lives, but this team live and breathe being police. If you have not read this series before you really should go back to the beginning and get to know Natalie and the people that surround her. You will not be sorry that you did.
There is so much going on in this book. A young girl goes missing in broad daylight from a pop concert in the local park. Hours later, her body is found. Natalie and her team are called to investigate. It is not long before twin girls who were last seen camping out in their own backyard are found murdered. There are similarities between the positioning of the bodies and the crime scenes that is playing on Natalie's mind. The killer in that case was caught but is there a copycat here - or did they get the wrong man? While all of this is going on, Natalie is trying to find the right time to tell her kids that she is leaving their father. The ending of this book was so unexpected and had me reeling for days.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased..
There is so much going on in this book. A young girl goes missing in broad daylight from a pop concert in the local park. Hours later, her body is found. Natalie and her team are called to investigate. It is not long before twin girls who were last seen camping out in their own backyard are found murdered. There are similarities between the positioning of the bodies and the crime scenes that is playing on Natalie's mind. The killer in that case was caught but is there a copycat here - or did they get the wrong man? While all of this is going on, Natalie is trying to find the right time to tell her kids that she is leaving their father. The ending of this book was so unexpected and had me reeling for days.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased..
March 17, 2020
A Heart Fluttering, Breath Stealing, Nerve Jangling ride! I will never forget the mind blowing conclusion!
Bodies merge with bodies so now all she sees is a giant, dark monster. Pick up, Isabella. It’s hopeless. Her sister will be engrossed like everyone else here. She’ll be singing along. She loves this track.
Isabella will return. She can’t miss the massive stone archway modelled on some ancient historic archway in Greece or France or somewhere. Kerry doesn’t care what it is; all she cares about is seeing Isabella standing in front of it again, like she had been throughout the warm-up act. She’s about to ring off when a flashing in the thick-bladed grass only a few centimetres away to her right catches her eye. The mobile phone lights up again and she shuffles forward, swooping on it before it can be damaged. She stands up, aware of bodies pressing against hers, bouncing along to the music as if together on a ginormous trampoline, trying to take her with them, and she resists, sticking elbows into their sides as she recognises the pink, spotted case and stares at the screensaver. It is the face of her kid sister, grinning goofily. Why is Isabella’s mobile lying in the grass?
The lyrics sung by those around her assault her ears like some doomsday warning: ‘You’re gone. Gonna miss you forever.’ Chilled blood washes through Kerry’s veins. Something terrible has happened to her sister.
********
The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is the fifth book in the DCI Natalie Ward series.
Natalie and her team are working against the clock to find a killer who has taken the life of an innocent young girl during a concert by her favorite band. Natalie gets a haunting feeling that this girl will not be only one to die.
The case is stalls early on as there seems to be no viable leads.
When the team finally discovers a seemingly small clue that may help solve the case, I litterally felt my stomach drop!
Does the piece to the puzzle fit or is it too good to be true?
I grew fond of Natalie and the characters from the very start as they are so dynamic, genuine and big as life. It's easy to feel as if you are standing in the same room with them. The tension and range of emotions is tangible, the storyline is intense, fast paced, and plausible.
I was continually trying to read too fast and I found myself having to remember to breathe and unclench my jaw!
I highly recommend reading this series in order, beginning with book one, The Birthday. The storylines follow Natalie, her family, her team, and her cases, building on events from the previous book.
Do not miss this series!
The newest installment featuring DCI Natalie Ward, The Secret Admirer, is coming in April, 2020 and I'll be delving into it within days of it's release! Stay tuned!
Bodies merge with bodies so now all she sees is a giant, dark monster. Pick up, Isabella. It’s hopeless. Her sister will be engrossed like everyone else here. She’ll be singing along. She loves this track.
Isabella will return. She can’t miss the massive stone archway modelled on some ancient historic archway in Greece or France or somewhere. Kerry doesn’t care what it is; all she cares about is seeing Isabella standing in front of it again, like she had been throughout the warm-up act. She’s about to ring off when a flashing in the thick-bladed grass only a few centimetres away to her right catches her eye. The mobile phone lights up again and she shuffles forward, swooping on it before it can be damaged. She stands up, aware of bodies pressing against hers, bouncing along to the music as if together on a ginormous trampoline, trying to take her with them, and she resists, sticking elbows into their sides as she recognises the pink, spotted case and stares at the screensaver. It is the face of her kid sister, grinning goofily. Why is Isabella’s mobile lying in the grass?
The lyrics sung by those around her assault her ears like some doomsday warning: ‘You’re gone. Gonna miss you forever.’ Chilled blood washes through Kerry’s veins. Something terrible has happened to her sister.
********
The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is the fifth book in the DCI Natalie Ward series.
Natalie and her team are working against the clock to find a killer who has taken the life of an innocent young girl during a concert by her favorite band. Natalie gets a haunting feeling that this girl will not be only one to die.
The case is stalls early on as there seems to be no viable leads.
When the team finally discovers a seemingly small clue that may help solve the case, I litterally felt my stomach drop!
Does the piece to the puzzle fit or is it too good to be true?
I grew fond of Natalie and the characters from the very start as they are so dynamic, genuine and big as life. It's easy to feel as if you are standing in the same room with them. The tension and range of emotions is tangible, the storyline is intense, fast paced, and plausible.
I was continually trying to read too fast and I found myself having to remember to breathe and unclench my jaw!
I highly recommend reading this series in order, beginning with book one, The Birthday. The storylines follow Natalie, her family, her team, and her cases, building on events from the previous book.
Do not miss this series!
The newest installment featuring DCI Natalie Ward, The Secret Admirer, is coming in April, 2020 and I'll be delving into it within days of it's release! Stay tuned!
October 19, 2020
Twitter |
Goodreads |
Blog |
Instagram |
Oh my, oh my oh my! I feel totally emotionally floored, but in a good satisfying way.
This is one if not THE best book in this series so far.
Natalie Ward is so dedicated to her job, her and her team no matter what case they’ve taken on they are going to give it their all. No stone unturned. But......this comes as a sacrifice to her own personal life at times and we see the human side of Natalie and her struggles.
An absolutely engrossing read.
I think this could be read as a stand-alone but, to reap the benefits I’d say start at book one.
December 12, 2019
When a teen girl is killed, Detective Natalie Ward is fairly certain that a killer has resurfaced. In her mind, evidence points to a previous case with the moniker of "The Blossom Twins". With one girl having found dead, others are not so sure. But, before long, twins Ivy and Erin Westmore were found murdered, and due to a shocking clue, Natalie is more than convinced that the killer has indeed returned.
As pressing as these cases are, Natalie's personal and family life are in an upheaval. She is very unhappy with her husband David and knows she must make some serious changes. Not only that, Natalie knows she must put aside feelings for co-worker Mike until her situation with David is resolved. With two teens, Josh and Leigh, Natalie is undoubtedly worried. On the job, she has a new boss and he is rather unpleasant. Another issue at work is the appearance of DS John Briggs. Natalie worked with him on the previous murder cases and they really did not get along well.
Despite all of these concerns, Natalie is determined to discover who the killer is, why he stopped for several years, and why he is killing twins. Meanwhile, the killer's POV is relayed throughout the book. From beginning to end, my attention was sharply riveted, and I experienced more than one shocking twist.
The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is one of the most intense reads I have read in a long time. It was so difficult to put down, but I had to step away for a moment to take a very deep breath. I have no idea how Carol did it! I want so much for Natalie! I am so very eager for the next book in the series. Each book gets deeper and even better.
Many thanks to Bookoture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
As pressing as these cases are, Natalie's personal and family life are in an upheaval. She is very unhappy with her husband David and knows she must make some serious changes. Not only that, Natalie knows she must put aside feelings for co-worker Mike until her situation with David is resolved. With two teens, Josh and Leigh, Natalie is undoubtedly worried. On the job, she has a new boss and he is rather unpleasant. Another issue at work is the appearance of DS John Briggs. Natalie worked with him on the previous murder cases and they really did not get along well.
Despite all of these concerns, Natalie is determined to discover who the killer is, why he stopped for several years, and why he is killing twins. Meanwhile, the killer's POV is relayed throughout the book. From beginning to end, my attention was sharply riveted, and I experienced more than one shocking twist.
The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is one of the most intense reads I have read in a long time. It was so difficult to put down, but I had to step away for a moment to take a very deep breath. I have no idea how Carol did it! I want so much for Natalie! I am so very eager for the next book in the series. Each book gets deeper and even better.
Many thanks to Bookoture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 27, 2019
The fifth book in the Detective Natalie Ward series by Carol Wyer. In this book, Natalie investigates the case of murdered sisters that resembles an older case that was supposedly solved. Natalie questions if they caught the right guy the first time around. As Natalie investigates, the killer continues to target other girls.
Natalie is a smart and strong female protagonist. She's got a lot of strengths, but she also has flaws. The combination of her work life and personal life makes for a compelling read. I'm always intrigued with the mysteries in this series, and this book has one of the most difficult cases Natalie has worked.
This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Each book has a different case that Detective Ward investigates, but the personal storyline advances and adds another layer to the stories. This is a fantastic series, so I recommend starting with the first book, The Birthday.
A dark and complex crime thriller. Good for fans of police procedurals. Gritty, intense, and fast-paced.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie is a smart and strong female protagonist. She's got a lot of strengths, but she also has flaws. The combination of her work life and personal life makes for a compelling read. I'm always intrigued with the mysteries in this series, and this book has one of the most difficult cases Natalie has worked.
This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Each book has a different case that Detective Ward investigates, but the personal storyline advances and adds another layer to the stories. This is a fantastic series, so I recommend starting with the first book, The Birthday.
A dark and complex crime thriller. Good for fans of police procedurals. Gritty, intense, and fast-paced.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
The Blossom Twins is the fifth instalment in the Detective Inspector Natalie Ward series, and despite being a prolific producer of thrillers Ms Wyer somehow manages to ensure the quality is always top-notch. For those wondering whether you can jump into the series at book five: as each story is contained to that particular instalment it is perfectly fine to start from here. Teenage twins Ivy and Erin Westmore disappear one night whilst camping in their back garden and are soon found murdered with their bodies adorned with rose petals; a signature Natalie remembers all too well. It matches a case from way back in her career, and one she would rather forget. The case, referred to as The Blossom Twins, was investigated and the apparent perpetrator imprisoned for his deplorable actions. However, when Natalie receives a taunting note declaring 'I'm back' she is suddenly thrust into the stressful position of thinking she put away the wrong guy.
Well, this is another page-turner I can see being on bestsellers lists with its plentiful drama, action and a logical and believable cast of characters and investigation. There are twists, turns and misdirection throughout and the suspense was slowly but surely ratcheted up over the course of the novel. I always seem to enjoy getting the chance to probe the killer's mind through the telling of his perspective, and this was no exception; it made the story fully rounded and more interesting. Natalie is a hard-working investigator whose personal life is in turmoil yet she continues to carry out her duties with precision. The last third of the book was unexpected and completely explosive. I raced through it and loved the huge twists and tense atmosphere the author created. If you enjoyed Ms Wyer's previous thrillers then you'll very much enjoy this one too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Well, this is another page-turner I can see being on bestsellers lists with its plentiful drama, action and a logical and believable cast of characters and investigation. There are twists, turns and misdirection throughout and the suspense was slowly but surely ratcheted up over the course of the novel. I always seem to enjoy getting the chance to probe the killer's mind through the telling of his perspective, and this was no exception; it made the story fully rounded and more interesting. Natalie is a hard-working investigator whose personal life is in turmoil yet she continues to carry out her duties with precision. The last third of the book was unexpected and completely explosive. I raced through it and loved the huge twists and tense atmosphere the author created. If you enjoyed Ms Wyer's previous thrillers then you'll very much enjoy this one too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
December 18, 2019
Rating: 5 stunning stars
Carol Wyer’s fifth installment in her Inspector Natalie Ward police procedural mystery series is a gut-wrencher. Each book in this series gets stronger and stronger. I’ve really grown to like DI Natalie Ward. She not afraid to make tough decisions both on and off the job. The crime in this book is the murder of young teen-aged twins. For Natalie it harkens back to similar cases when she was a detective on the Manchester police force. However, that crime was solved. The murdered was put in prison. Is there any connection between these murders?
DI Ward and the killer both share the narration role in this book. Through earlier snippets of the killer’s point of view, we see the police getting closer and closer to the truth as the story progresses. Will they catch the culprit before more girls die? As Natalie is working heads-down on this case, she still has to deal with her home front. How can she stay better connected to her teenaged children? Should she leave her husband David? What is the best way to find work-life balance while working for a new boss who clearly has a different set of priorities than she does? How much harder do you have to work to be taken seriously when the new boss has a clear favorite, and it’s not you?
The ending --- oh – the ending! I am not going to spoil it. Just let me say that I think that this is a very brave author. She is willing to go places that other writers might not be willing to go. The identity of the murderer was pretty much a surprise to me until the very end of the book. Yay! That is a great thing in a mystery. Did I mention the ending? I would especially recommend this for mystery aficionados. This series is a wonderful British police procedural featuring a smart female Detective Inspector. You can pick this up as a standalone book. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series though. The background stories of the police team members, and the Ward family continues to be refined and developed in each book. This background information adds to the richness of the next book.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carol Wyer’s fifth installment in her Inspector Natalie Ward police procedural mystery series is a gut-wrencher. Each book in this series gets stronger and stronger. I’ve really grown to like DI Natalie Ward. She not afraid to make tough decisions both on and off the job. The crime in this book is the murder of young teen-aged twins. For Natalie it harkens back to similar cases when she was a detective on the Manchester police force. However, that crime was solved. The murdered was put in prison. Is there any connection between these murders?
DI Ward and the killer both share the narration role in this book. Through earlier snippets of the killer’s point of view, we see the police getting closer and closer to the truth as the story progresses. Will they catch the culprit before more girls die? As Natalie is working heads-down on this case, she still has to deal with her home front. How can she stay better connected to her teenaged children? Should she leave her husband David? What is the best way to find work-life balance while working for a new boss who clearly has a different set of priorities than she does? How much harder do you have to work to be taken seriously when the new boss has a clear favorite, and it’s not you?
The ending --- oh – the ending! I am not going to spoil it. Just let me say that I think that this is a very brave author. She is willing to go places that other writers might not be willing to go. The identity of the murderer was pretty much a surprise to me until the very end of the book. Yay! That is a great thing in a mystery. Did I mention the ending? I would especially recommend this for mystery aficionados. This series is a wonderful British police procedural featuring a smart female Detective Inspector. You can pick this up as a standalone book. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series though. The background stories of the police team members, and the Ward family continues to be refined and developed in each book. This background information adds to the richness of the next book.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Carol Wyer for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
I received a free e-copy of The Blossom Twins (Detective Natalie Ward #5) by Carol Wyer from NetGalley for my honest review.
I have read this entire series and they just keep getting better. Absolutely love, love, love this series.
The murder of a young girl at a concert venue brings Detective Natalie Ward into her next investigation. Natalie recalls a case from the past that bears striking similarities to the crime scene.
Twin sisters are found murdered and Natalie feels certain that the 'Blossom Twins' killer has returned.
I have read this entire series and they just keep getting better. Absolutely love, love, love this series.
The murder of a young girl at a concert venue brings Detective Natalie Ward into her next investigation. Natalie recalls a case from the past that bears striking similarities to the crime scene.
Twin sisters are found murdered and Natalie feels certain that the 'Blossom Twins' killer has returned.
January 15, 2020
THE BLOSSOM TWINS is the fifth novel in the Detective Natalie Ward Series, a riveting crime-thriller by Carol Wyer. Her books keep getting better and better! I have read them all. I would recommend you read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
The novel opens with two sisters, seventeen-year-old Kerry and fourteen-year-old younger sister, Isabella at a pop concert in the park, when something went wrong. When Terry went to get drinks, she returns to find her younger sister is missing…and Isabella’s cell phone was on the ground. Just hours later, her dead body is discovered later hidden under the bushes.
DI Natalie Ward and her team are assigned to investigate. D.I Natalie Ward is a strong character trying to desperately balance family life with work. The team she works with are like family and the more we get to know about their personal lives the more this series comes to life.
Soon after, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore who had been camping out in their backyard…were found murdered.
Detective Natalie Ward is assigned to the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
There are similarities between the positioning of the bodies and the crime scenes that is playing on Natalie's mind. Natalie receives a note saying “I’m back’. The killer in that case was caught but is there a copycat out there…or did they put the wrong person in prison years ago?
With all this activity going on, Natalie is trying to find the time to tell her kids that she is leaving their father.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with an exciting plot and well-developed characters, with an increasing suspense level that had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. The ending was a shock; and not one I was expecting!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my digital copy.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
The novel opens with two sisters, seventeen-year-old Kerry and fourteen-year-old younger sister, Isabella at a pop concert in the park, when something went wrong. When Terry went to get drinks, she returns to find her younger sister is missing…and Isabella’s cell phone was on the ground. Just hours later, her dead body is discovered later hidden under the bushes.
DI Natalie Ward and her team are assigned to investigate. D.I Natalie Ward is a strong character trying to desperately balance family life with work. The team she works with are like family and the more we get to know about their personal lives the more this series comes to life.
Soon after, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore who had been camping out in their backyard…were found murdered.
Detective Natalie Ward is assigned to the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
There are similarities between the positioning of the bodies and the crime scenes that is playing on Natalie's mind. Natalie receives a note saying “I’m back’. The killer in that case was caught but is there a copycat out there…or did they put the wrong person in prison years ago?
With all this activity going on, Natalie is trying to find the time to tell her kids that she is leaving their father.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with an exciting plot and well-developed characters, with an increasing suspense level that had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. The ending was a shock; and not one I was expecting!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my digital copy.
April 15, 2020
Never had to read a book so quickly, after starting Net Galley number 6 Detective Natalie Ward, that I had not read Number 5 The Blossom Twins!!
Stopped and went back to read number 5 in one day.
Their parents thought they were hiding…
One beautiful summer’s evening, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore snuggle down in a tent in their back garden, giggling and sharing secrets.
When their mother goes to wake the girls the next morning, their tent is empty.
The alarm is raised and Detective Natalie Ward is put onto the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing?
Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh… At times this can be at the expense of their personal lives, but this team live and breathe being police.
Detective Natalie Ward might have her flaws, but that's also what makes her more human and so much heartbreaking and believable story.
The huge twist in this book had me near tears and left me shaken to the core. As always Carol Wyer writes one hell of a clever and absorbing story leaving me desperately needing the next in this gripping series and no hesitation in giving it a 5 star rating, the best in the series so far.
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will keep you flying through the pages long into the night, and it did.
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza, Mel Sharrett and Karin Slaughter.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Now onto Book 6 - The Secret Admirer...Not released yet.
Stopped and went back to read number 5 in one day.
Their parents thought they were hiding…
One beautiful summer’s evening, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore snuggle down in a tent in their back garden, giggling and sharing secrets.
When their mother goes to wake the girls the next morning, their tent is empty.
The alarm is raised and Detective Natalie Ward is put onto the case. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. Everything about the girls’ deaths reminds her of a horrifying case she worked on earlier in her career, which saw a killer of the worst kind placed behind bars.
The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing?
Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh… At times this can be at the expense of their personal lives, but this team live and breathe being police.
Detective Natalie Ward might have her flaws, but that's also what makes her more human and so much heartbreaking and believable story.
The huge twist in this book had me near tears and left me shaken to the core. As always Carol Wyer writes one hell of a clever and absorbing story leaving me desperately needing the next in this gripping series and no hesitation in giving it a 5 star rating, the best in the series so far.
Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this book will keep you flying through the pages long into the night, and it did.
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza, Mel Sharrett and Karin Slaughter.
The novels in the Detective Natalie Ward Series Include:
BOOK 1-The Birthday
Book 2- Last Lullaby
BOOK 3-The Dare
Book 4-The Sleepover
Book 5-The Blossom Twins
Now onto Book 6 - The Secret Admirer...Not released yet.
November 12, 2019
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read The Blossom Twins in return for an honest review. This is the 5th book in the Detective Natalie Ward series, and the author is new to me. I thought it worked well as a stand-alone. I wondered if I might have felt more empathy for and emotional connection with Natalie if I had read the previous books and gotten to know her better.
I know I am in the minority here, but was not engaged in the story nor connect with the characters as intended. I note that the vast majority of readers love this series, and I emphasize that potential readers should not be dissuaded by my misgivings.
There was much to like here. It was well written, and the plot line was very well thought out. The police investigation was shown as very painstaking and detailed, as good real life investigations must be. The tedious task of questioning possible witnesses and suspects made the pace slow down for me. This diminished the suspense.
I know I should be engaged more with Natalie, who was having problems both at home and at work. I realized she was dauntless and dedicated in her difficult task of solving the horrific crime of the murder of young girls. She was feeling guilt of a past conviction which may have been a mistake.
There were plenty of twists, and the bold ending was stunning and extremely shocking.
I know I am in the minority here, but was not engaged in the story nor connect with the characters as intended. I note that the vast majority of readers love this series, and I emphasize that potential readers should not be dissuaded by my misgivings.
There was much to like here. It was well written, and the plot line was very well thought out. The police investigation was shown as very painstaking and detailed, as good real life investigations must be. The tedious task of questioning possible witnesses and suspects made the pace slow down for me. This diminished the suspense.
I know I should be engaged more with Natalie, who was having problems both at home and at work. I realized she was dauntless and dedicated in her difficult task of solving the horrific crime of the murder of young girls. She was feeling guilt of a past conviction which may have been a mistake.
There were plenty of twists, and the bold ending was stunning and extremely shocking.
October 22, 2019
What can I say about this series that I haven't said before? Its one of my favorites and as soon as I see it available on Netgalley I don't hesitate to request them. Carol Wyer is a fantastic writer and I have never been disappointed by her.
This one begins with a murder of a teenage girl, but the positioning of her reminds Natalie of one of her first cases, aptly named The Blossom Twins. With all of her books, this one grabs you right away and never lets up. Natalie is juggling quite a few things in the book, however. With one of her team members on vacation, her new boss recruits a new detective & one that Natalie has had problems with in the past, she is dealing with demons that maybe she didn't get the original Blossom Twins killer, and she has a very personal problem going on at home. By the end, I was shocked.....by a couple of turns. I absolutely can not wait for book 6!!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one begins with a murder of a teenage girl, but the positioning of her reminds Natalie of one of her first cases, aptly named The Blossom Twins. With all of her books, this one grabs you right away and never lets up. Natalie is juggling quite a few things in the book, however. With one of her team members on vacation, her new boss recruits a new detective & one that Natalie has had problems with in the past, she is dealing with demons that maybe she didn't get the original Blossom Twins killer, and she has a very personal problem going on at home. By the end, I was shocked.....by a couple of turns. I absolutely can not wait for book 6!!
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2019
Phew! This was one of the best books in the series. The Blossom Twins follows Detective Natalie Ward's crime-fighting adventures, and this was a highly tense police procedural. I've had some problems with Natalie's choices in the past, but that aside she's proven to be a gritty and tough officer of the law. She might have her flaws, but that's also what makes her more human and so much believable. The book was highly gripping and unputdownable!
When the body of a young teenager is discovered on a ground that hosted a concert the police are immediately called to action. Isabella lies on her side under an arbor of roses with her hands outstretched. Natalie is immediately reminded of a case where the bodies of two pairs of twins were discovered in an almost similar position. What is missing is the second body. The Blossom Twins case was one of the first cases in Natalie's career and one which had the most impact on her, so much that she had to seek professional help. Soon the Westmore twins go missing and Natalie is scared the killer has returned. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing? Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh...
Both the story and the characters were amazing! The ending was a shock; I was not expecting that at all!!
I would like the see what the fate of the killer is in the next book. This was a police procedural in its truest form, every lead investigated systematically and leading to the next discovery was what I found so good about this book. I loved watching Natalie work the case with the little she had to go on and see it to its conclusion like a professional. Although I've said that I admire Natalie I also noticed that for someone being so sensitive about being lied to, she lies too. Considering that she's a cop, I thought she'd have been more tolerant of small lies, especially her being a mom to two teenagers and all that. But that's her battle and no one can fight it better than she herself. Hopefully, we'll see more of how she resolves her personal life in the next book and am eagerly looking forward to that.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for an arc!
When the body of a young teenager is discovered on a ground that hosted a concert the police are immediately called to action. Isabella lies on her side under an arbor of roses with her hands outstretched. Natalie is immediately reminded of a case where the bodies of two pairs of twins were discovered in an almost similar position. What is missing is the second body. The Blossom Twins case was one of the first cases in Natalie's career and one which had the most impact on her, so much that she had to seek professional help. Soon the Westmore twins go missing and Natalie is scared the killer has returned. When the twins’ bodies are discovered on nearby marshland, covered with deep pink petals, an icy shiver travels down Natalie’s spine. The next day, that feeling is heightened when she receives a chilling note saying ‘I’m back’. Is this killer a copycat or did Natalie put the wrong person in prison all those years ago? In a small town, where no stranger goes unnoticed, what is Natalie missing? Consumed by the case, determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her attention the killer wants. And to get it, he has his sights set firmly on her precious daughter Leigh...
Both the story and the characters were amazing! The ending was a shock; I was not expecting that at all!!
I would like the see what the fate of the killer is in the next book. This was a police procedural in its truest form, every lead investigated systematically and leading to the next discovery was what I found so good about this book. I loved watching Natalie work the case with the little she had to go on and see it to its conclusion like a professional. Although I've said that I admire Natalie I also noticed that for someone being so sensitive about being lied to, she lies too. Considering that she's a cop, I thought she'd have been more tolerant of small lies, especially her being a mom to two teenagers and all that. But that's her battle and no one can fight it better than she herself. Hopefully, we'll see more of how she resolves her personal life in the next book and am eagerly looking forward to that.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for an arc!
April 3, 2020
This crime thriller, the 5th in the DI Natalie Ward series, begins like most others in this genre. Two sisters go to a free open-air concert and one of them goes missing only to be found, strangled to death, under an arbor swathed with roses. When Natalie and her team arrive, she's struck by the notion that the position of the body and the presence of the petals might indicate a connection to a previous case that she worked years ago. That killer, however, died in prison. Natalie and her colleagues are going to work this as they do every case -- meticulously and thoroughly. They aren't making much progress interviewing everyone who knew the dead teenager when two other girls, 13-year-old twins Erin and Ivy Westmore, disappear from the tent in their backyard where they'd been camping overnight. Now Natalie is convinced that there's a copycat killer on the loose or that the police had convicted the wrong man in the 2014 cases. Because the team is down a man as DS Murray Anderson is off on a vacation to Australia, the new boss brings in DS John Briggs - the detective who Natalie had worked with on the original Blossom Twins case. Although they don't see eye to eye, they are pursuing all the leads, butting heads, and getting nowhere. Can they find this killer before he strikes again? NO SPOILERS.
I thought I had this one worked out -- until I most certainly didn't. I appreciate the courage it took for Carol Wyer to write this ending as it definitely shifted up my rating for this novel. The suspense at the end was quite crazy and made the slow slog through the very detailed police procedural segments well worth waiting for. Although I'll admit that I don't really like Natalie very much, let's face it -- she's not much of a presence as a mom -- but she definitely does love her job and she's very good at it. Her personal life no longer interests me (same old same) but I am very interested to see what will happen in the next installment given the changes in store. The writing is good, the setting very interesting, and the descriptions are so vivid that you almost feel as if you are right there. Lots of characters that I'd like to get to know better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I've been along for the ride having read all of the books in this series and I plan to stick around to see where Carol Wyer is taking us next.
I thought I had this one worked out -- until I most certainly didn't. I appreciate the courage it took for Carol Wyer to write this ending as it definitely shifted up my rating for this novel. The suspense at the end was quite crazy and made the slow slog through the very detailed police procedural segments well worth waiting for. Although I'll admit that I don't really like Natalie very much, let's face it -- she's not much of a presence as a mom -- but she definitely does love her job and she's very good at it. Her personal life no longer interests me (same old same) but I am very interested to see what will happen in the next installment given the changes in store. The writing is good, the setting very interesting, and the descriptions are so vivid that you almost feel as if you are right there. Lots of characters that I'd like to get to know better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I've been along for the ride having read all of the books in this series and I plan to stick around to see where Carol Wyer is taking us next.
January 21, 2020
The Blossom Twins by Carol Wyer is the fifth in the Detective Natalie Ward series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, but also a woman who is trying to juggle her job and her home life. Her husband has a gambling problem and lost all their savings. Then he lost his job, and he is now working from home. He is feeling inadequate, and Natalie finds herself constantly having to massage his fragile ego. Although she tries, she feels like she is neglecting her two children, even though they know that if she is on a murder investigation, it has to take precedence. She is often torn. Natalie’s team consists of: DS Lucy Carmichael, DS Murray Anderson and PC Ian Jarvis.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When the dead body of a girl is found covered in rose petals, Natalie can't help but remember The Blossom Twins case. The case that will always haunt her, where she blames herself for not capturing the perpetrator fast enough to prevent a second set of twins from being murdered. But he was caught, wasn't he?
Now another set of twins have turned up dead, the positioning of their bodies and other identifying markers are identical to the original case. As the team is a man down, Natalie's new boss has brought in DS John Briggs, her old partner on The Blossom Twins case, to assist her. While her boss thinks he's right for the job, Natalie has always had problems with him. This case won't be any different.
Meanwhile, Natalie has now given up on her marriage, the gambling and lies becoming more than she can handle. She is even searching for a place of her own. The problem is going to be telling her children.
My Opinions:
Well...this is the second series in which an author has taken a chance and totally surprised me. Messing with a primary character is risky, but it was done really well. The twist, when it came, shocked me.
I have definitely been enjoying the series, and loving the characters (except David, who is despicable). Sometimes I believe that Natalie's family comes into the story lines too much, but it has definitely made things interesting.
The plot was great, and the pace relatively fast, with lots of action, and a lot of suspects. I had a pretty good idea who the perpetrator was early on, but it didn't detract from the story at all.
The book seemed to be a reminder that teenagers can be a little secretive, a lot gullible, and act differently at home than they do in public. But I think one of the main topics could be to show what loss can do to a person who already has issues. I am not, in any way, defending the perpetrator, but his background definitely contributed to his crimes. On the other hand, I think he was just evil, and wanted revenge.
Anyway, I think this one was the best in the series....and you really can't read this as a stand-alone, because you can't really get a feel for Natalie without reading the other books.
Definitely interested in how things are going to move forward.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Natalie Ward is a strong female detective, but also a woman who is trying to juggle her job and her home life. Her husband has a gambling problem and lost all their savings. Then he lost his job, and he is now working from home. He is feeling inadequate, and Natalie finds herself constantly having to massage his fragile ego. Although she tries, she feels like she is neglecting her two children, even though they know that if she is on a murder investigation, it has to take precedence. She is often torn. Natalie’s team consists of: DS Lucy Carmichael, DS Murray Anderson and PC Ian Jarvis.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When the dead body of a girl is found covered in rose petals, Natalie can't help but remember The Blossom Twins case. The case that will always haunt her, where she blames herself for not capturing the perpetrator fast enough to prevent a second set of twins from being murdered. But he was caught, wasn't he?
Now another set of twins have turned up dead, the positioning of their bodies and other identifying markers are identical to the original case. As the team is a man down, Natalie's new boss has brought in DS John Briggs, her old partner on The Blossom Twins case, to assist her. While her boss thinks he's right for the job, Natalie has always had problems with him. This case won't be any different.
Meanwhile, Natalie has now given up on her marriage, the gambling and lies becoming more than she can handle. She is even searching for a place of her own. The problem is going to be telling her children.
My Opinions:
Well...this is the second series in which an author has taken a chance and totally surprised me. Messing with a primary character is risky, but it was done really well. The twist, when it came, shocked me.
I have definitely been enjoying the series, and loving the characters (except David, who is despicable). Sometimes I believe that Natalie's family comes into the story lines too much, but it has definitely made things interesting.
The plot was great, and the pace relatively fast, with lots of action, and a lot of suspects. I had a pretty good idea who the perpetrator was early on, but it didn't detract from the story at all.
The book seemed to be a reminder that teenagers can be a little secretive, a lot gullible, and act differently at home than they do in public. But I think one of the main topics could be to show what loss can do to a person who already has issues. I am not, in any way, defending the perpetrator, but his background definitely contributed to his crimes. On the other hand, I think he was just evil, and wanted revenge.
Anyway, I think this one was the best in the series....and you really can't read this as a stand-alone, because you can't really get a feel for Natalie without reading the other books.
Definitely interested in how things are going to move forward.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2020
Ok. I haven’t written a review in sooo long but feel compelled to write how brilliant Natalie Ward book number 5 is! I finished it at 1am this morning because the last 80-90 pages are just insane. I didn’t predict who the killer was, so much so I screamed ‘WHAT!’ and probably woke the neighbours. I struggled to sleep after finishing it, thinking about that ending. Totally traumatised. No spoilers. This book is amazingly written, filled with fantastic twists and it’s one of the many detective series I read that actually feels authentic to police procedures and methods. So, well done Carol Wyer!
March 28, 2021
Shocking and terrifying! (no spoilers) I didnt see the last chapter coming nor the twist! really well written, highly recommend
December 22, 2019
A murder of a young girl occurred, and Natalie was called to investigate. Something about the case was similar to her old case of Blossom Twins 4 years ago. The stakes were raised when another twin girls were murdered and left posed. Natalie was pulled further into her convictions. She investigated…
A police procedural like no other with my favorite Detective Natalie Ward written by author Carol Wyer. The book pulled me apart in various ways. The author gave my thriller-y heart a nasty twist and then pushed me down the cliff. There was only free fall and I broke.
This was most unexpected. A brilliant piece of writing, Carol was detailed and clever. Giving me hints of the killer’s life, she wrapped me in a box filled with cotton where I was most comfortable. I went soaring through the book thinking it to be a routine police procedural. Then came the time when the aura changed. I felt I was stepping into a minefield. I was slow and careful, watchful for the danger. And I stepped right on the bomb…
And the words destroyed my world. I felt sideswiped. Shock filled every part of me. My world of Natalie and her team was kept delightfully enthralled with the identity of the killer, and then destroyed, one molecule of me at a time. The author was so fucking brilliant at the way she wrote this book.
Absolutely rocking, jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching thriller of a police procedural. I have read many this year, this one is at the top of the list. One of my best midnight reads.
A police procedural like no other with my favorite Detective Natalie Ward written by author Carol Wyer. The book pulled me apart in various ways. The author gave my thriller-y heart a nasty twist and then pushed me down the cliff. There was only free fall and I broke.
This was most unexpected. A brilliant piece of writing, Carol was detailed and clever. Giving me hints of the killer’s life, she wrapped me in a box filled with cotton where I was most comfortable. I went soaring through the book thinking it to be a routine police procedural. Then came the time when the aura changed. I felt I was stepping into a minefield. I was slow and careful, watchful for the danger. And I stepped right on the bomb…
And the words destroyed my world. I felt sideswiped. Shock filled every part of me. My world of Natalie and her team was kept delightfully enthralled with the identity of the killer, and then destroyed, one molecule of me at a time. The author was so fucking brilliant at the way she wrote this book.
Absolutely rocking, jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching thriller of a police procedural. I have read many this year, this one is at the top of the list. One of my best midnight reads.
July 28, 2020
This will be one of the hardest reviews I have ever written because the main talking point for me, is something I can not even talk about. For me, I made the mistake when creating my takeover, of checking out some reviews, and well it ruined what happened. That upset me.
I have to say Carol has floored me with this book, she has damn near broken me. I can see why it is a favourite for a lot of people. It takes a lot of guts to do what she has with this book and it hurts, it hurts a lot, but I think it paid off. However, I really didn’t want to it (nicest way possible I mean that)
It brings Natalie’s haunted past to the present and then that past destroyed everything. I cried a lot, I wanted to do a Joey in Friends about 60% in it. As soon as one sentence was read by Di Croft, I wanted to put the audiobook on hold and put the kindle into the freezer. Because if I don’t read, it doesn’t happen does it. Even when I got to 85% and I was talking to Carol, I kept finding things to do to stop me from me reading. I watered the garden, ate my dinner, tidied up, anything!!!
But I caved, and man do I wish I hadn’t caved. This book!!!!
I still don’t know where to begin with this review! A horrible case that nearly destroyed Natalie, where twin girls had been murdered and “placed” in a way in a truly ghoulish way. To a passer-by, they could be just be sleeping, holding hands…well if it wasn’t for a carrier bag stuck over their heads. Every case we read always involves children!!!
No Murray in this book, boy do we miss him. There is no banter for Ian and no support for Lucy. Instead, a blast from the past for Natalie in the form of John Briggs, a guy who worked the Blossom Twin case with Natalie. Got to admit, wasn’t sure of him, he was too cocksure, I thought he had a turning point and then decided I really wasn’t a fan of his.
This case is getting to Natalie, plus she has pressure from David at home. The fallout from the last book has put cogs in motion and David, well, no more support from me. I get he is hurt by Natalie but his actions at the end, nope I’m done! Sorry Carol, not on his train anymore.
One thing I do enjoy more about this series is that Natalie is not a whippet snapper chasing promotions. She is a family woman, trying to balance her life and work, she is getting grey and getting lines, midlife drift. She is more real to me, she also has so much balls! I have so much respect for her, she just tries to do what is best and it is a shame that this is not always understood at home. Not only does she have balls but man Carol you have some huge cajones!! What more are you going to through at her!? I know she’s got a break coming up soon as I only have 2 books left to read, so I hope there is some respite soon.
Another thing I find refreshing is that, well, no one ever pulls out their weapon and fires it. There are no shots fired, just good old fashion detecting and they always catch the perp. This time, just once, I wish it had been different.
This book has jarred me. It has turfed me out of my safe haven and now I don’t know which way to turn. I feel now we are on a dark tunnel with Natalie, I can’t see the light and I fear it will be a while before we get over the fallout.
I am sitting here wondering what more I can say. I just don’t know. The case is harrowing, it takes a lot from us, it takes a piece of your soul and your heart. I am dreading the next book because it will just mean everything that happened in The Blossom Twins did happen and I can’t unread it!
I have to say Carol has floored me with this book, she has damn near broken me. I can see why it is a favourite for a lot of people. It takes a lot of guts to do what she has with this book and it hurts, it hurts a lot, but I think it paid off. However, I really didn’t want to it (nicest way possible I mean that)
It brings Natalie’s haunted past to the present and then that past destroyed everything. I cried a lot, I wanted to do a Joey in Friends about 60% in it. As soon as one sentence was read by Di Croft, I wanted to put the audiobook on hold and put the kindle into the freezer. Because if I don’t read, it doesn’t happen does it. Even when I got to 85% and I was talking to Carol, I kept finding things to do to stop me from me reading. I watered the garden, ate my dinner, tidied up, anything!!!
But I caved, and man do I wish I hadn’t caved. This book!!!!
I still don’t know where to begin with this review! A horrible case that nearly destroyed Natalie, where twin girls had been murdered and “placed” in a way in a truly ghoulish way. To a passer-by, they could be just be sleeping, holding hands…well if it wasn’t for a carrier bag stuck over their heads. Every case we read always involves children!!!
No Murray in this book, boy do we miss him. There is no banter for Ian and no support for Lucy. Instead, a blast from the past for Natalie in the form of John Briggs, a guy who worked the Blossom Twin case with Natalie. Got to admit, wasn’t sure of him, he was too cocksure, I thought he had a turning point and then decided I really wasn’t a fan of his.
This case is getting to Natalie, plus she has pressure from David at home. The fallout from the last book has put cogs in motion and David, well, no more support from me. I get he is hurt by Natalie but his actions at the end, nope I’m done! Sorry Carol, not on his train anymore.
One thing I do enjoy more about this series is that Natalie is not a whippet snapper chasing promotions. She is a family woman, trying to balance her life and work, she is getting grey and getting lines, midlife drift. She is more real to me, she also has so much balls! I have so much respect for her, she just tries to do what is best and it is a shame that this is not always understood at home. Not only does she have balls but man Carol you have some huge cajones!! What more are you going to through at her!? I know she’s got a break coming up soon as I only have 2 books left to read, so I hope there is some respite soon.
Another thing I find refreshing is that, well, no one ever pulls out their weapon and fires it. There are no shots fired, just good old fashion detecting and they always catch the perp. This time, just once, I wish it had been different.
This book has jarred me. It has turfed me out of my safe haven and now I don’t know which way to turn. I feel now we are on a dark tunnel with Natalie, I can’t see the light and I fear it will be a while before we get over the fallout.
I am sitting here wondering what more I can say. I just don’t know. The case is harrowing, it takes a lot from us, it takes a piece of your soul and your heart. I am dreading the next book because it will just mean everything that happened in The Blossom Twins did happen and I can’t unread it!
June 18, 2020
Listened to in audio format.
I am a big fan of the DI Natalie Ward series. The ending of this book has left me speechless, I was not expecting that. I can't wait to see how this trauma affects her in future books.
I recommend this series.
I am a big fan of the DI Natalie Ward series. The ending of this book has left me speechless, I was not expecting that. I can't wait to see how this trauma affects her in future books.
I recommend this series.
May 6, 2023
great read
The fourth book in this series had me almost ready to give up, but thankfully I stuck it out to this one! The Blossom Twins, although I felt dragged a little at times, had me on the edge of my seat at the end. I was not expecting that ending at all!!!! I’m still in shock!
The fourth book in this series had me almost ready to give up, but thankfully I stuck it out to this one! The Blossom Twins, although I felt dragged a little at times, had me on the edge of my seat at the end. I was not expecting that ending at all!!!! I’m still in shock!
December 13, 2019
A riveting and remarkable read!
The Blossom Twins is my second encounter with Detective Natalie Ward and her team but their characters are so well polished by Carol Wyer that I didn't feel I was missing out on anything that had gone on before.
In this exciting and riveting fifth instalment of the series, on a lovely summer’s eve, fourteen-year-old Isabella Sharpe goes missing at an open air concert in the few minutes it takes for her older sister to go and buy them some drinks. Not long after, her body is found alongside some scarlet rose petals. Later that same night, thirteen-year-old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore snuggle down in a tent in their back garden, whispering and giggling, but when their mum goes to wake the girls the next morning, their tent is empty. When DI Natalie Ward and her team arrive to begin their investigation, Natalie is reminded of a previous case she worked on years ago, where the bodies of two pairs of twins were discovered in an almost identical position. Preoccupied, though determined to prevent more deaths, Natalie misses the fact that it is her own attention that the killer is seeking. And to get it, he or she has their sights firmly fixed on someone close to her...
As urgent as these cases are, Natalie's personal and family life are in disarray and she knows that she needs to make some serious changes. Not only that, Natalie must put aside feelings for co-worker, Head of Forensics, Mike Sullivan, until her situation with her husband, David, is resolved and with two teenagers, daughter Leigh and son Josh to consider, Natalie is undoubtedly concerned. Jobwise, she has a new boss with whom she is at odds. Also a worry is the appearance of DS John Briggs. Natalie has worked with him on the previous murder cases and they did not get along too well...
If you started out expecting The Blossom Twins to be simply a thriller based on an attempt to find some missing girls, you'd be wrong, as it was so much more than that. The pace was relentless, the narrative riveting and as the story unfolded, I was submerged in a tangled web of lies, secrets and deceit, suffering from tension and shocks that held me in a vice-like grip of just-one-more-page syndrome! I loved that Carol Wyer was able to create the perfect balance between developing really solid characters and such a complex, multi-layered mystery. It was interesting to look back at smart and feisty Natalie's time in Manchester as this gave me some insight into what awakens her curiosity as a detective and I also learnt more about her as a person, generally.
I've read a fair few thrillers and this one is right up there with my other favourites. I have no hesitation in giving this first-rate thriller five wonderful stars. I can't wait to read more of the other books in this series, from Carol Wyer. Any reader who favours complex police procedural thrillers will absolutely delight in this book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 8, 2020
OMG...WOW! WOW! WOW! This isn't just one of the best books in the series...it is THE BEST book in this series! THE BLOSSOM TWINS is the fifth installment in the DI Natalie Ward series and I think it is the best one so far! What can I say that I haven't already done so? This is one of my favourite series and it just gets better and better! As soon as I see one pop up on NetGalley, I don't hesitate in requesting. But this one...is something else!! So where do I start to even begin to give this book justice?
The story opens with 17 year old Kerry accompanying her 14 year old sister Isabella to a free concert in the grounds of a stately home. The boy band, Blasted, is a favourite of many a teenage girl and is the featured act. So when there is a break between performances, Kerry goes to the drinks tent for some refreshments for her and her sister...with Isabella remaining by the arch to keep their place.
But when Kerry returns, there is no sign of Isabella. A search of the area reveals her sister is nowhere to be found and now frantic with worry, Kerry abandons the concert in search of her sister. She finds her phone abandoned in the grass. Something is wrong. Isabella, like any teenage girl, is surgically attached to her phone and would not misplace it so carelessly. So where is Isabella?
The next day, DI Natalie Ward receives the call that the body of a teenage girl has been found in the kitchen garden in the grounds of the estate where the Blasted concert had taken place the night before. DS Lucy Carmichael accompanies Natalie to the scene in the absence of DS Murray Anderson, who is on a well deserved holiday in Australia. When they arrive, Natalie is immediately reminded of a previous case she'd investigated several years before in Manchester - the case of the Blossom Twins. The positioning of the body and the rose petals scattered on and around her are all strikingly similar. But there is one difference...there is only one body, not two.
Still, Natalie feels sure the cases are linked. But how? The killer of the Blossom Twins was caught, arrested and sent to prison where he later killed himself. A sign of guilt? Maybe...except that the killer retracted his earlier confession stating he was innocent. Natalie didn't think anything at the time, but now...she's not so sure.
When 13 year old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore camp out in their backyard one night, it is an adventurous act on their parts considering the girls have never shown any interest in camping before. Still, they bid their parents goodnight and settle in giggling and sharing secrets into the night. The following morning, thinking the girls were having a lie-in, their mother unzipped the tent to wake them. But she found only their bedclothes stuffed into their sleeping bags...with no sign of the twins.
A missing persons investigation is underway lead by the same detective who searched for Natalie's daughter, Leigh, when she went missing earlier in the year during an investigation into missing teenagers who disappeared after accepting a dare online. When Natalie heard about the missing twins, she immediately thought of her own investigation and that of the Blossom Twins. There HAD to be a link.
And then Erin and Ivy's bodies were found in marshland...on their sides facing each other, holding hands and covered in petals. Natalie knew then without a shadow of a doubt the cases were linked. If this wasn't a copycat of the original killer then they had put an innocent man away for the Blossom Twins. And he is back with a vengeance.
In light of her previous boss' retirement she now has a new one, Supt Dan Tasker, who is rather unpleasant and is all about statistics rather than helping the community. He brings in DS John Briggs to assist in Natalie's investigation, as she is a DS down. However, it turns out that Briggs is good friends with the Superintendent and she wonders if her authority is constantly being undermined by the two men. It's clear that Tasker has a favourite and it isn't her. But Briggs is no stranger to Natalie. They had worked together on the original Blossom Twins investigation and no one else knows the case as well as he does. But Briggs is an arrogant player constantly questioning her or going against her. She has no room for someone like him on her team...but she has no say in the matter.
On a personal level, Natalie has her home life to deal with. Her husband David has consistently lied to her and she has had enough. After he had gambled away their savings, he continued to visit gambling sites, betting shops and even bought scratchies. Natalie doesn't have the strength to continue this daily battle especially as her work life is tough enough. Now sleeping in the attic, she has decided that her marriage to David has come to an end...but each time she intends breaking the news to their children, Josh and Leigh, something comes up preventing her from doing so. Is she having second thoughts? Should she leave David or can they make it work? Does she love him enough? And how can she remain connected to her children if they were to separate? And then there is Mike. Her friend, confidante, colleague and now potential love interest. However, both have agreed to put their feelings on hold until she has sorted out the mess that is her marriage. But will Mike wait for her?
Despite all the things thrown at her on a daily basis, Natalie is determined to get to the truth. Is the Blossom Twins killer back? Did they imprison the wrong man? If so, why did he stop for several years? And why is he targeting twins? But nothing will prepare Natalie for the truth when she uncovers it...
That ending...OMG! That ending!! While I began to piece together the puzzle when the truth came out I was still shocked, despite the sense it made as I pondered it at the time. But that wasn't the only shock to come. My goodness!! I was left speechless...breathless...completely stunned! So much so it has taken me nearly a week to write this review. And even then, can I do it proper justice?
Carol Wyer really took a brave step in this book and as I tweeted her my reaction upon finishing the book, she was thrilled that had it generated the response she had been after. All I can say is...WOW!
Natalie and the killer share the primary narration in THE BLOSSOM TWINS. Aside from the investigation and Natalie's personal life, we are also given a glimpse into earlier snippets of the killer's life and ultimately what became the signature of his kills. And then we are given even more in the form of first Isabella's and then Erin and Ivy's brief narratives as to what happened in the lead up to their deaths...given that they had just disappeared and no one knew how or why. It is both intriguing and clever. This was a brilliant touch by Wyer.
I really thoroughly enjoy this series and love all the characters. Each of them shine in their own way in THE BLOSSOM TWINS. But I especially love how it's not dog-eat-dog where everyone is trying to one-up the other. I find those procedurals less endearing. Whereas Natalie and her team all complement each other and work together well. That is what I like to see...not constant angst between the ranks.
There is, of course, plenty of angst on Natalie's home front so she doesn't need it at work too. Her children, Josh and Leigh, have their moments as teenagers but overall are good kids. David is problematic but every so often I see something of what Natalie must have seen in him in the beginning, but the fact that he has consistently lied again and again shows he cannot be trusted and if you can't trust your husband, what hope does your marriage have? I have gone from liking to hating to tolerating David over the course of the series. But I really do believe their marriage has run its course...and particularly now at a time when they will all need to band together and support each other, I don't think their marriage is strong enough to do so. I see it crumbling even more in the next book.
THE BLOSSOM TWINS is a jaw-dropping, heartwrenching, edge-of-your-seat thriller of a police procedural. Just when you think everything has fallen into place, we are sideswiped with a shocker twist! Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year!!
A complex, nail-biting, cleverly written thriller, THE BLOSSOM TWINS is intense and fast-paced from beginning to end. Although you "could" read this as a standalone, I do recommend starting at the beginning of the series to appreciate the characters and their roles and development throughout. Although I did came late to the party, starting at "Last Lullaby" (Book 2), I fully intend on going back and reading the first book when I have the chance. But THE BLOSSOM TWINS is by far the best of the series and I look forward to seeing where Book 6 takes us.
1 - The Birthday
2 - Last Lullaby
3 - The Dare
4 - The Sleepover
5 - The Blossom Twins
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBlossomTwins in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story opens with 17 year old Kerry accompanying her 14 year old sister Isabella to a free concert in the grounds of a stately home. The boy band, Blasted, is a favourite of many a teenage girl and is the featured act. So when there is a break between performances, Kerry goes to the drinks tent for some refreshments for her and her sister...with Isabella remaining by the arch to keep their place.
But when Kerry returns, there is no sign of Isabella. A search of the area reveals her sister is nowhere to be found and now frantic with worry, Kerry abandons the concert in search of her sister. She finds her phone abandoned in the grass. Something is wrong. Isabella, like any teenage girl, is surgically attached to her phone and would not misplace it so carelessly. So where is Isabella?
The next day, DI Natalie Ward receives the call that the body of a teenage girl has been found in the kitchen garden in the grounds of the estate where the Blasted concert had taken place the night before. DS Lucy Carmichael accompanies Natalie to the scene in the absence of DS Murray Anderson, who is on a well deserved holiday in Australia. When they arrive, Natalie is immediately reminded of a previous case she'd investigated several years before in Manchester - the case of the Blossom Twins. The positioning of the body and the rose petals scattered on and around her are all strikingly similar. But there is one difference...there is only one body, not two.
Still, Natalie feels sure the cases are linked. But how? The killer of the Blossom Twins was caught, arrested and sent to prison where he later killed himself. A sign of guilt? Maybe...except that the killer retracted his earlier confession stating he was innocent. Natalie didn't think anything at the time, but now...she's not so sure.
When 13 year old twins Ivy and Erin Westmore camp out in their backyard one night, it is an adventurous act on their parts considering the girls have never shown any interest in camping before. Still, they bid their parents goodnight and settle in giggling and sharing secrets into the night. The following morning, thinking the girls were having a lie-in, their mother unzipped the tent to wake them. But she found only their bedclothes stuffed into their sleeping bags...with no sign of the twins.
A missing persons investigation is underway lead by the same detective who searched for Natalie's daughter, Leigh, when she went missing earlier in the year during an investigation into missing teenagers who disappeared after accepting a dare online. When Natalie heard about the missing twins, she immediately thought of her own investigation and that of the Blossom Twins. There HAD to be a link.
And then Erin and Ivy's bodies were found in marshland...on their sides facing each other, holding hands and covered in petals. Natalie knew then without a shadow of a doubt the cases were linked. If this wasn't a copycat of the original killer then they had put an innocent man away for the Blossom Twins. And he is back with a vengeance.
In light of her previous boss' retirement she now has a new one, Supt Dan Tasker, who is rather unpleasant and is all about statistics rather than helping the community. He brings in DS John Briggs to assist in Natalie's investigation, as she is a DS down. However, it turns out that Briggs is good friends with the Superintendent and she wonders if her authority is constantly being undermined by the two men. It's clear that Tasker has a favourite and it isn't her. But Briggs is no stranger to Natalie. They had worked together on the original Blossom Twins investigation and no one else knows the case as well as he does. But Briggs is an arrogant player constantly questioning her or going against her. She has no room for someone like him on her team...but she has no say in the matter.
On a personal level, Natalie has her home life to deal with. Her husband David has consistently lied to her and she has had enough. After he had gambled away their savings, he continued to visit gambling sites, betting shops and even bought scratchies. Natalie doesn't have the strength to continue this daily battle especially as her work life is tough enough. Now sleeping in the attic, she has decided that her marriage to David has come to an end...but each time she intends breaking the news to their children, Josh and Leigh, something comes up preventing her from doing so. Is she having second thoughts? Should she leave David or can they make it work? Does she love him enough? And how can she remain connected to her children if they were to separate? And then there is Mike. Her friend, confidante, colleague and now potential love interest. However, both have agreed to put their feelings on hold until she has sorted out the mess that is her marriage. But will Mike wait for her?
Despite all the things thrown at her on a daily basis, Natalie is determined to get to the truth. Is the Blossom Twins killer back? Did they imprison the wrong man? If so, why did he stop for several years? And why is he targeting twins? But nothing will prepare Natalie for the truth when she uncovers it...
That ending...OMG! That ending!! While I began to piece together the puzzle when the truth came out I was still shocked, despite the sense it made as I pondered it at the time. But that wasn't the only shock to come. My goodness!! I was left speechless...breathless...completely stunned! So much so it has taken me nearly a week to write this review. And even then, can I do it proper justice?
Carol Wyer really took a brave step in this book and as I tweeted her my reaction upon finishing the book, she was thrilled that had it generated the response she had been after. All I can say is...WOW!
Natalie and the killer share the primary narration in THE BLOSSOM TWINS. Aside from the investigation and Natalie's personal life, we are also given a glimpse into earlier snippets of the killer's life and ultimately what became the signature of his kills. And then we are given even more in the form of first Isabella's and then Erin and Ivy's brief narratives as to what happened in the lead up to their deaths...given that they had just disappeared and no one knew how or why. It is both intriguing and clever. This was a brilliant touch by Wyer.
I really thoroughly enjoy this series and love all the characters. Each of them shine in their own way in THE BLOSSOM TWINS. But I especially love how it's not dog-eat-dog where everyone is trying to one-up the other. I find those procedurals less endearing. Whereas Natalie and her team all complement each other and work together well. That is what I like to see...not constant angst between the ranks.
There is, of course, plenty of angst on Natalie's home front so she doesn't need it at work too. Her children, Josh and Leigh, have their moments as teenagers but overall are good kids. David is problematic but every so often I see something of what Natalie must have seen in him in the beginning, but the fact that he has consistently lied again and again shows he cannot be trusted and if you can't trust your husband, what hope does your marriage have? I have gone from liking to hating to tolerating David over the course of the series. But I really do believe their marriage has run its course...and particularly now at a time when they will all need to band together and support each other, I don't think their marriage is strong enough to do so. I see it crumbling even more in the next book.
THE BLOSSOM TWINS is a jaw-dropping, heartwrenching, edge-of-your-seat thriller of a police procedural. Just when you think everything has fallen into place, we are sideswiped with a shocker twist! Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year!!
A complex, nail-biting, cleverly written thriller, THE BLOSSOM TWINS is intense and fast-paced from beginning to end. Although you "could" read this as a standalone, I do recommend starting at the beginning of the series to appreciate the characters and their roles and development throughout. Although I did came late to the party, starting at "Last Lullaby" (Book 2), I fully intend on going back and reading the first book when I have the chance. But THE BLOSSOM TWINS is by far the best of the series and I look forward to seeing where Book 6 takes us.
1 - The Birthday
2 - Last Lullaby
3 - The Dare
4 - The Sleepover
5 - The Blossom Twins
I would like to thank #CarolWyer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBlossomTwins in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 17, 2023
Woahhhhhh, I was so not ready for this book! I have recently been binge reading this series and in this latest book it is all happening! This latest instalment is so good, but also slightly disturbing which is always a good combination for a book of this type. However, for some the subject matter surrounding the death of children may be a topic they want to steer clear of (just a warning to those not prepared). When a young set of twins go missing the whole team that work with Natalie go into overdrive to try and find them however the worst outcome is ahead as their bodies are found on nearby marshland.
Natalie’s biggest concern is not only that a child killer is out there free but that this case seems eerily similar to a case she worked earlier in her career. Whilst once again the reader is taken on the road with the team, we also see once again Natalie battle to maintain relationships with her husband alongside her children. It has been a real insight seeing the way the various relationships have progressed over the last few books.
When Natalie receives a chilling note from the killer she becomes consumed in tracking them down and in doing that avoids telling her children that she is leaving their father. With all that is going on Natalie also has to deal with her boss bringing on and old colleague DS John Briggs. This book literally had everything and then some. I was turning pages and read this in (almost) one sitting. I was gobsmacked by the ending and had no clue anything like that was coming. Absolutely the best book in the series so far, where it goes from here who knows?
Natalie’s biggest concern is not only that a child killer is out there free but that this case seems eerily similar to a case she worked earlier in her career. Whilst once again the reader is taken on the road with the team, we also see once again Natalie battle to maintain relationships with her husband alongside her children. It has been a real insight seeing the way the various relationships have progressed over the last few books.
When Natalie receives a chilling note from the killer she becomes consumed in tracking them down and in doing that avoids telling her children that she is leaving their father. With all that is going on Natalie also has to deal with her boss bringing on and old colleague DS John Briggs. This book literally had everything and then some. I was turning pages and read this in (almost) one sitting. I was gobsmacked by the ending and had no clue anything like that was coming. Absolutely the best book in the series so far, where it goes from here who knows?
October 6, 2019
What can I say about this book, other than Wow!
It pulls you in from the first few pages and doesn’t let go until the nail bitingly tense conclusion.
This one is a real shocker that will chill you to the bone - you have been warned!
Natalie and the team are investigating the murder of a teenage girl, found after a local concert. It reminds Natalie of a previous case but she’s told it can’t be linked as the killer was caught and it was always twins or sisters that were killed.
Soon the bodies of two twin sisters are found with petals laid on top of them and Natalie knows this is definitely linked to the Blossom twins case.
The team are given help with the case but when it arrives, Natalie’s heart sinks as he was on the Blossom twins case with her, and he’s known for his arrogance.
John is soon rubbing people up the wrong way, except for Natalie’s boss who can’t see anything wrong with his actions.
Life is getting more difficult for Natalie at home and despite David wanting to give their marriage another go, she’s made her mind up this time, and agrees they’ll tell Leigh and Josh when the case is over.
This one is a tense investigation from the word go as a local man is implicated and other leads take them down equally tricky paths.
I loved how this book came together at the end and it was definitely a nail biting ending.
Thanks to Kim Nash at Bookouture for sending me this advanced copy to read.
It pulls you in from the first few pages and doesn’t let go until the nail bitingly tense conclusion.
This one is a real shocker that will chill you to the bone - you have been warned!
Natalie and the team are investigating the murder of a teenage girl, found after a local concert. It reminds Natalie of a previous case but she’s told it can’t be linked as the killer was caught and it was always twins or sisters that were killed.
Soon the bodies of two twin sisters are found with petals laid on top of them and Natalie knows this is definitely linked to the Blossom twins case.
The team are given help with the case but when it arrives, Natalie’s heart sinks as he was on the Blossom twins case with her, and he’s known for his arrogance.
John is soon rubbing people up the wrong way, except for Natalie’s boss who can’t see anything wrong with his actions.
Life is getting more difficult for Natalie at home and despite David wanting to give their marriage another go, she’s made her mind up this time, and agrees they’ll tell Leigh and Josh when the case is over.
This one is a tense investigation from the word go as a local man is implicated and other leads take them down equally tricky paths.
I loved how this book came together at the end and it was definitely a nail biting ending.
Thanks to Kim Nash at Bookouture for sending me this advanced copy to read.
July 26, 2020
A lot of book reviews talk about being "a real page turner" and I guess I just might be harder to please than others. In The Blossom Twins I finally found a book that had me speed reading to get to the end! A lot going on in this story, characters to dislike and development in some favourites. 5 stars.
August 5, 2020
Wow! A pulsating ending, this series has been fantastic!
August 25, 2024
The ending killed me
December 12, 2019
Finished reading: December 10th 2019
"Natalie had worked some tough cases in her time, but none had left their mark as much as the Blossom Twins."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews